Friday, December 2, 2016

Saying Goodbye - I'm Dancing With Jesus Now!

From Donna L. Watkins

If you're reading this post, I am dancing with Jesus in Heaven, not just in my mind any more. Oh, how glorious it surely is!

Wanting to make things easier on Randal, I've been focused on total healing, but also have a very strong administrative gear, so I have been preparing things like this and putting them into an email folder so he has easy access to some of the things that need to be done while I dance.

Thanks for your prayers, friendships, and encouragement all these years. It's been a blessing to get to build a relationship with many of you online during these years. We will have all eternity to grow those relationships and I can't wait to meet you face to face. Email is definitely lacking as a communication tool in many ways. But very helpful and beneficial in other ways.

I'm sure it would be helpful for Randal to hear from some of you, as you are led only by the Lord .... I requested no funeral, viewing or visitation since we have lived in many states. The time to see and know people is while they're alive ... not dead at a funeral.  I will be cremated and sprinkled in the woods.  Randal and Ben can choose to have a Going Home Celebration.  It's of no importance to me.

I guess I have a morbid view of funerals since the first one I attended I was 9 and both of my great grandparents had died on the same day of heart attacks. I was very close to them since my Papa introduced me to parks, trees, squirrels, pigeons and cabooses to climb on at the railroad yard. Surely I got my love of nature from him, being further instilled with the love of all birds and animals that the grandparents that raised me had in their hearts also.

View Enlarged Image
Donna at Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC
View Brookgreen Gardens Album
The house will feel very empty I'm sure and Randal has no close family.  Our son lives in Oklahoma and we're in Virginia.  So if you feel so led .... you can email him from this link.  Choose Webmaster on the drop-down option.

I like tea parties, so I'll have a Welcoming Tea scheduled for us when you arrive in Heaven. Be sure to ask where my woodland cottage is located when you get settled in.

May God's blessings abound to you and give you peace and joy each and every day ... and don't forget ...Consider each day precious!

I will see you when you get here.

Love, Hugs and Many Blessings,
Donna

P.S.  Since I scheduled all my blog posts ahead of time you may still receive a few more from me.  That doesn't mean I've been resurrected [grin].

*******************

Note: Donna began dancing with Jesus on November 11th, 2016.  Thanks for all your support and encouragement.  Randal


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How To Be A Giant Killer

by Andrew Wommack

Whatever problem you’re facing today—whether in your finances, in your health, in your marriage, or wherever—your problem is not bigger than what David faced. He had to deal with a real, live giant. And the qualities God instilled in David that enabled him to succeed will work for you too.

You’ve probably heard the story of David defeating Goliath, but have you applied these same principles to your giant? One of the foundational truths that enabled David to face this giant was that he viewed the whole situation through God’s covenant:

"What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"  1 Samuel 17:26

David’s reference to Goliath being uncircumcised was pointing out that Goliath didn’t have any covenant rights like he did. In fact, every Israelite soldier was one of God’s covenant people, but they didn’t act like it. Likewise, all true believers have covenant rights to health, prosperity, joy, peace, etc., but not all look at their circumstances through the covenant.

These Israelite soldiers were looking at Goliath and not at God’s promises. The Lord had promised them that no man would be able to stand before them (Deut. 11:25). Goliath was a man. He was a big man but a man nonetheless. While others only saw the giant, David kept his attention on the promises of God.

When David voiced his faith in the covenant of God despite the circumstances, he began to be criticized by his brother and others:

"And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. [29] And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? [30] And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner."  1 Samuel 17:28-30

David could have tried to justify himself to his oldest brother. It was at his father’s command that he had left the sheep and come to bring gifts to his brothers. But even if David had won the argument, he would have lost his opportunity to defeat Goliath. It was only after he turned from his brother and repeated his statements of faith that someone heard what he said and told Saul, Israel’s king.

You might face opposition, even from family members, when you start communicating what God has put in your heart, but you need to take this stance like David did, saying, “Is there not a cause?” Ask yourself, “Is the thing I want victory over worth fighting for?” If it is, then you have a cause greater than what others think.

Even the king tried to talk David out of what was in his heart: He spoke of David’s inexperience and size compared to Goliath’s. But look at David’s reply—

"Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: [35] And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. [36] Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. [37a] David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine."  1 Samuel 17:34-37a

He began to rehearse to King Saul the victories the Lord had given him. Had David not been faithful with the few sheep the Lord had given him to keep on the backside of the desert, he never would have been able to stand up to Goliath. Many want to win against the giants when the grandstands are full, but few will be faithful in the little things God gives them when no one is watching. If we aren’t faithful in that which is least, we won’t be given more (Luke 16:10-12).

David’s faith and confidence in the Lord convinced King Saul to let him represent Israel and go fight Goliath. This was a miracle in itself. If David lost, all the Israelites would become slaves to the Philistines. I think Saul recognized the anointing of God upon David. Saul had once operated under that anointing and knew how powerful it was. So, he let David go, but he tried to put his armor on him:

"And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. [39] And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him."  1 Samuel 17:38-39

This happens all the time. People will tell you your faith in God won’t overcome your giants. But if you persist, then they will try to give you their advice on how to fight the battle. That’s what Saul did. He wanted to give David his armor. But why should David put his faith in Saul’s armor? It hadn’t done anything for Saul. Saul was fearful of Goliath just like all the rest. David was wise to stick with what had already been proven in his life.

Next, David had to endure the mockery of his enemy, Goliath. Listen to what the giant said:

"And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. [43] And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. [44] And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field."  1 Samuel 17:42-44

Don’t think that just because you’re armed with what God has given you that the giants in your life will be intimidated by you. But you’ve got to be bold and stand strong in the face of the enemy, like David did:

"Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. [46] This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. [47] And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands."  1 Samuel 17:45-47

But David wasn’t all talk! Look what he did when Goliath approached him:

"David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine."  1 Samuel 17:48b

The Spirit of the Lord was on David; he wasn’t afraid! He rushed at this giant. You know, your attitude toward your giants will be very telling when it’s time to face them. If you really believe the promises of God, you won’t run from a fight—you will run to it. Do you really believe what God said or not? Are you all talk? The giants are going to test what God has put in you.

Of course, you know the story. David used his sling and a stone to bring the giant down.

"But there was no sword in the hand of David. [51a] Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith."  1 Samuel 17:50b-51a

You’ve got to pursue your enemies until they can’t come back! If you read the whole story, the Philistines didn’t flee when Goliath first went down. They were at a far distance and didn’t know exactly what had happened. Goliath could have tripped, or maybe he was just wounded and would get back up and win yet. But when David cut off his head and held it up, all doubt was removed, and the enemy fled.

We sometimes just fight our enemies until they go over the hill. They are left to fight us another day. We only fight sickness until it gets to where it’s not too bad—we can live with the rest. But David pursued his enemies until they were destroyed. They could never come back to fight him. First Samuel 30:10-18 is a good example of this, where David pursued the Amalekites until he had recovered all he had lost.

People don’t like to face giants, but David wouldn’t have been a hero if he had slain a midget. The giants in your life are actually great opportunities for God to show Himself strong on your behalf. My greatest tests have become my greatest testimonies. If you don’t have a test, you only have “a mony.”

David’s victory over Goliath catapulted him into his destiny. Likewise, whatever giant you are facing can become the greatest victory in your life as you stand on God’s Word and overcome it. I remember when my son died. It was a terrible thing. But because Jamie and I stood against this giant that tried to take our son, we now have a glorious testimony of his resurrection that we have rubbed the devil’s nose in countless times. Praise God! Your victory is coming too.

I encourage you to get my latest teaching about David. It not only includes all the things I’ve written about in this letter, but it goes into detail about David’s other victories and his defeats too.

David was a man after God’s own heart. He had great highs but very low lows. He’s someone whom all of us can relate to and learn from. It’s better to learn at his expense than from your own hard knocks.

I have a new book out entitled Lessons from David. I also have this teaching on CD as well as in a study guide for discipling others. I’ve seen many people’s lives changed by these truths. My own life has been changed. Yours will be too.

You can call our Helpline at: 719-635-1111 between 4:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. (Mountain Time). Of course, you can always go to our website: www.awmi.net, 24/7.

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Don't Suffer From Chronic Health Problems Because You're Getting Older

You Don't Have to Suffer From Chronic Health Problems,
Just Because You're Getting Older
by Steven Horne

I'm 62 years old and I don't take any prescription medications. I'm not in perfect health (mostly because I work at a computer too much), but I'm certainly in reasonably good health. I've only sought medical attention for four health issues in the past 35 years. Not a bad track record.

Which is why I wanted to share my Herbal Hour video Older, But Better and update my article, Improve with Age, to share my belief that you don't have to waste away with illness as you get older. It's never too late to do things to improve your health. People need to understand that we aren't suffering more chronic and degenerative diseases because we're living longer (a common medical myth). These diseases are actually striking people at younger and younger ages and are really the result of our unhealthy diet and lifestyle.

So, if you're getting up in years, be sure to check out this information, which is also found on the home page of modernherbalmedicine.com.

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Tuesday, November 22, 2016

The Original St. Nicholas Embodied the True Spirit of Christmas

Pastor Mike Franzone

In 280 A.D., in a small town called Patara in Asia Minor, a child named Nicholas was born. His parents were known far and wide and were of considerable wealth. But tragedy came early, for in a horrible epidemic, the young lad lost both his parents. The small boy became an orphan, albeit a wealthy one. Before their untimely death, his parents had bestowed on him a unique gift – the gift of faith. The little boy was sent to Myra to live, and he had a life full of sacrifice and love. He devoted himself to serving God and others in the spirit of Jesus.

As the young man grew, so did his faith. Nicholas had become so like Jesus that when the town needed a bishop, he was elected. The bishop gave much of his wealth to the poor. Stories about his kindness and generosity spread. It was reported that he once saved three girls from a life of degradation by giving each a bag of gold to be used as a dowry to obtain a husband. Many times he would disguise himself and give gifts to poor village children. It seemed there was a special place in his heart for children. They brought such great joy into his life.

He was imprisoned for his faith by Emperor Diocletian, and then released by Emperor Constantine. Even in the midst of persecution and imprisonment, he always shared his meager provisions with the inmates. He believed that giving to the needy was the same as giving to Jesus. After his release he continued his work of giving hope to those in need. In time, he spent his entire inheritance. He died in the year 314. His body later was moved to Italy, where his remains are to this day.

The story of Nicholas has spread around the world. There are more churches named after St. Nicholas than any other person in history. But people have done some strange things to him. The poet Clement Moore gave him a red nose and eight tiny reindeer. Thomas Nast, the illustrator, made him big and fat and even gave him a red suit trimmed with fur. Others have given him names like Belsnick, Kriss Kringle and Santa Claus.

But what is really important to remember during this season is that young Nicholas had the mind of Christ. He did not exploit his privilege but laid it aside. He possessed a servant’s heart and a gentle self-less love that touched the world. The humility of Nicholas has provided us with an example to follow.

Keep this simple message of Christmas with you all throughout the new year: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

This post was written by Pastor Mike Franzone.
Mike works in the Health Initiatives Department at Christian Care Ministry.



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Tuesday, November 1, 2016

The Battle in the Mind

by Andrew Wommack

Matthew 21:21 "Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done."

Jesus makes it very clear that we must have faith and doubt not. Every believer has faith, but most believers also have an abundance of doubt that negates their faith. It is when we purify our faith and only believe, that victory comes.

Every Christian is at war. There is a perpetual struggle against Satan and his kingdom where there are no "leaves" or "discharges." Our enemy goes about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). Those who resist the devil will see him flee (Jas. 4:7). The only ones whom he devours are those who don't actively fight against him.

The mind is the battlefield where thoughts and reasonings that are contrary to God's Word, need to be captured and submitted to Christ, our Commander.

Just as enemy soldiers are captured in war, so rebel thoughts must be taken captive and made to submit to Christ. Our battle against the devil takes place right between our ears. The spiritual weapons given to us are designed for the express purpose of taking EVERY thought captive and making them obedient to Christ. Keeping our minds completely stayed upon the Lord is an obtainable goal.

These weapons of ours are for the casting down of two things: Imaginations; and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Both of these areas are dealing with the mind. Focus on the good in every area of your life. Failure to recognize God's blessings in every day living will cause care and anxiety. Recognizing God's hand in even the smallest thing will cause peace and keep our hearts and minds following hard after the Lord.

Visit Andrew's website.


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The Amazing, Intuitive Empathy of Dogs



by Dr. Jessica Vogelsan



Dogs not only make us laugh and keep us company, they often serve as sources of strength during emotionally challenging times. Read Dr. V‘s insightful post now!


Monday, October 31, 2016

Have You Heard About Ebates?

Ebates has been a real blessing to us. It's a rewards type program where you get various percentages off depending on where you're shopping and what their percentages are for that day. If you're using Firefox they have an "add on" that actually shows you when you're shopping at a site that honors Ebates. You just click on "Activate Now" and when you're done shopping you will have received whatever the percentage was on your Ebates account. They send you an email to tell you that it was credited.

I didn't think it would add up to much but we're getting a check for $44.79!

Check it out.

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